IHSA accepting bids to host prep basketball finals

BLOOMINGTON — The Illinois High School Association is accepting bids from cities that want to host the annual state high school basketball championship tournaments for 2016 through 2020.

The IHSA board decided Monday to accept bids for the annual state finals. The IHSA is the governing body for high school sports in the state.

The boys' tournament is currently held each March in Peoria. The girls' tournament is played at Illinois State University in Normal.

IHSA Executive Director Marty Hickman said the decision to consider new venues doesn't mean the organization is unhappy with either Peoria or Normal. He praised both and said it's possible that either or both tournaments will stay where they are.

The board plans to announce the results of the proposals it receives in March 2015.